- By Ridhi Suri
- Tue, 01 Oct 2024 03:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kdramas That Are Remakes Of American And British Shows: One genre that has gained significant traction in Western countries is Kdrama, or Korean drama, known for its melodramatic and highly emotional storytelling. From iconic series like Money Heist Korea, The World of the Married, Criminal Minds to romantics like 18 Again, Kdramas span a wide range of themes while keeping viewers engaged. Their unique format captivates audiences, often combining heartbreak with humour. With the growing number of English-speaking fans, it's only natural for popular English shows to be remade for Korean audiences. Here, we explore some of the best Kdrama adaptations of beloved English TV shows. While the characters and plots may resemble their original counterparts, each Kdrama brings its own distinctive charm.
18 Again (Viki)
Inspired by the Zac Efron film 17 Again, this K-drama focuses on the Hong family, whose relationships are deteriorating. When patriarch Hong Dae-Young gets a chance to travel back in time, he takes it, finding himself in his 18-year-old body while retaining the mindset of a 37-year-old. This unique situation allows him to reconnect with his children and mend his family ties before it’s too late.
Money Heist Korea (Netflix)
Based on Money Heist, by Álex Pina, Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area is the second installment in the franchise, inspired by the original Spanish series. Directed by Kim Hong-sun and written by Ryu Yong-jae, this Netflix original stars Yoo Ji-tae, Yunjin Kim, Park Hae-soo, Jeon Jong-seo, Lee Hyun-woo, Lee Won-jong, and Park Myung-hoon. The series unfolds a hostage crisis on a reunified Korean Peninsula, showcasing a genius strategist and a diverse group of individuals with various skills and personalities.
Criminal Minds (Netflix/ Amazon Prime Video)
The Korean version largely follows the same storylines as the American series, offering a fresh perspective through different performances. Since its debut in 2005, Criminal Minds has produced over 300 episodes over 16 seasons, prompting South Korea to create a remake in 2017. This Kdrama features an investigative team that explores the psychology of criminals to anticipate their next actions. The adaptation received the Asia Artist Fabulous Award, with Lee Joon-gi earning the Actor of the Year title at the 13th Soompi Annual Awards for his remarkable portrayal.
The series primarily focuses on the profilers within the National Criminal Investigation team as they tackle a serial murder case that has gripped the nation. Throughout the investigation, the team deepens their bonds and uncovers hidden relationships.
Designated Survivor: 60 Days (Netflix)
Like its American counterpart, Designated Survivor: 60 Days explores the nation’s turmoil through the eyes of environmental politicians following a catastrophic bombing. In this Kdrama, Park Mu-jin, the South Korean Minister of Environment, parallels the character of Thomas Kirkman, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. After a peace announcement with North Korea, an explosion devastates the building, killing the president and the entire line of succession. As the only survivor, Park Mu-jin is sworn in as the acting president. This sudden turn of events leads to the revelation of political secrets as he investigates the truth behind the bombing.
Suits (Netflix)
Inspired by the popular American legal drama, the Korean adaptation of Suits focuses on the intersection of politics and law. The series follows a corporate attorney who takes a bold step by hiring a dropout with a photographic memory, despite the lack of a law degree, to assist him with his cases. Starring Park Hyung-sik, Jang Dong-gun, and Ko Sung-hee, you can't miss watching this Kdrama.
Woori the Virgin (Viki)
Inspired by Jane the Virgin, this Kdrama brings its own unique charm despite some similarities with the American original, thanks to the chemistry among the cast and distinct plot twists. Woori Oh seems to have it all—her boyfriend is a devoted police officer, and she works as an assistant writer for a hit drama series. However, a routine visit to the doctor drastically changes her life. Instead of the expected exam, she is accidentally artificially inseminated and finds herself pregnant. The father of her child turns out to be Raphael, the CEO of Diamond Cosmetics, with whom Woori shares a complicated history.